Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic primarily used to induce anesthesia in medical procedures. More recently, it has been administered in controlled settings for pain management and treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
However, while ketamine has valid medical applications, it can be misused and used recreationally, potentially leading to ketamine addiction. Ketamine addiction can pose serious health risks and lasting consequences, including overdose, organ damage, and death.
If you or a loved one struggles with a ketamine addiction, you’re not alone—and Buena Vista Recovery is here to help. By learning key ketamine facts and getting answers to frequently asked questions, you’ll be better equipped to help a loved one or work toward your journey to recovery.
Quick Ketamine Facts & Statistics
- Ketamine is a hallucinogenic that distorts a person’s perception of sound and sight for a short duration, typically lasting between 30 and 60 minutes.
- Ketamine can be a colorless liquid or an off-white to white powder.
- Ketamine is more prevalent among teenagers and young adults. Although use has increased, it remains rare, with users comprising less than 1% of the US population.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Does Ketamine Do?
Ketamine induces sedation, immobility, pain relief, and temporary amnesia, which is why it is used for anesthesia. Additionally, the drug can induce hallucinogenic effects and briefly increase heart rate and blood pressure.
How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System?
While many of the effects of ketamine are short-lived, the drug remains within a patient’s system for much longer. Ketamine can be detected with a urine test up to 14 days after use and by hair up to a month or more after use.
Can You Overdose on Ketamine?
Yes, a ketamine overdose can occur when taken in large doses or when combined with other drugs and substances. Ketamine overdoses require immediate medical intervention, and some of the overdose symptoms include chest pain, extreme confusion, seizures, paralysis, loss of consciousness, and potentially death.
What Is Ketamine’s Street Name?
Ketamine has many street names, including:
- Green K
- Honey Oil
- Jet
- Ket
- Kit Kat
- Purple
- Special La Coke
- Super Acid
- Super C
What Are Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms?
Ketamine withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Fatigue
- Cravings
- Heart palpitations
- Increased body temperature
- Nausea
- Shakes
- Excessive sweating
- Insomnia
What Are the Types of Ketamine?
Ketamine is usually a colorless, odorless liquid that is either injected or mixed with other liquids. It can also be a white or off-white powder that gets mixed into liquids, snorted, or smoked.
The Short and Long-Term Effects of Ketamine
| Short-Term Effects | Long-Term Effects |
|---|---|
| Sedation | Kidney problems |
| Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting | Bladder ulcers and pain |
| Poor muscle control | Chronic stomach pain |
| Difficulty speaking or slurred speech | Depression |
| Dangerously slow breathing | Long-term memory problems |
| Cardiovascular issues, such as elevated heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, or palpitations | Potential for overdose |
| Audible and visual hallucinations | |
| Memory loss | |
| Paranoia | |
| Anxiety | |
| Confusion |
Ketamine Addiction and Addiction Treatment
Ketamine addiction can severely impact your physical, psychological, and social well-being. If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, seeking professional help can help you achieve long-term recovery.
At Buena Vista, we provide personalized treatment plans for each patient because we understand that no two forms of addiction are the same. Contact Buena Vista today for more information about ketamine addiction or to learn more about your treatment options.
